Morocco's King Urges Citizens to Skip Eid Sheep Sacrifice Amid Drought

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to abstain from the traditional practice of slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha this year due to a significant decline in livestock resulting from seven years of drought. The country's herd has shrunk by 38% over the past decade, leading to skyrocketing meat prices and increased imports, including a recent agreement to bring in 100,000 sheep from Australia. In a message delivered by the Minister of Religious Affairs, the King emphasized that continuing the ritual under these challenging conditions would adversely affect many families, particularly those with limited incomes. This situation is exacerbated by a 53% drop in rainfall compared to the historical average, which has severely impacted pasture availability for livestock. The government has suspended import duties and VAT on livestock and meat to help stabilize prices amid the crisis. The King’s call reflects a historical precedent; similar appeals were made during past droughts, including one by his father in 1966.